Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney in Jacksonville, FL

Fighting to Have Your Charges Dismissed

Representation by the right attorney is vital if you or a loved one faces criminal charges. Whether it is at the state or federal level, Lockett Law, P.A., provides knowledgeable and effective criminal defense to clients. We aggressively defend our clients’ rights, providing the right guidance throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through to the final resolution. It is important to contact a qualified lawyer as soon as possible, ideally before making a statement to law enforcement.

With experience working in Jacksonville and around Florida, managing partner Lee Lockett has practiced law since 1997, working for the State and in private practice. He and the entire team know the legal system here in northeast Florida and tailor our defense to achieve the best results. To do this we sit down with clients to hear the facts of the case and their side of the story. We then can often find holes in the prosecution, whether it is lack of evidence, following the proper procedure and other legal lapses.

Proven Criminal Defense In Jacksonville

Depending on the needs of your case, we can bring in outside investigators and other experts to help build the strongest possible case. We represent clients facing a wide variety of charges, including the following:

Whether you’re a first time offender or someone facing a felony offense, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got the best team possible backing you up. That’s why we don’t chase guilty verdicts. We actively pursue dismissals, evidence suppression, and charge reductions.

These Charges Are Life-Changing

The most common mistake made by those facing criminal charges at the state and federal level involves not taking the matter seriously. Federal charges are extremely severe and often include the possibility of incarceration in a federal penitentiary. Repeat offenders will also see increase in sentencing and other penalties. The best way to help your case is to be proactive in immediately seeking out legal guidance from an experienced Jacksonville DUI lawyer willing to defend you to the fullest extent of the law.

Penalties within the State of Florida for first time DUI offenders can range from a fine up to $1,000 to half a year in prison. With each additional conviction, the penalties become more severe. That’s why you don’t want to leave your DUI defense in the hands of a firm that won’t fight to have your charges dismissed.

Drug Crime Attorney in Jacksonville

Florida is notoriously strict on drug-related charges. Possession of most controlled substances in the state of Florida can be charged as a third degree felony. The U.S. war on drugs has unfairly claimed the freedom of American citizens for minor infractions. Simple possession cases are tried on the same level as theft of an automobile or carrying a handgun without a permit.

White Collar Crimes and Fraud

While these are non-violent crimes, they are treated very seriously. White collar crimes are charged in federal court, and a conviction can lead to jail time and a limited ability to conduct business in the future.

If you are facing charges related to bribery, extortion, fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, computer hacking, identity theft, racketeering, insider trading, or corporate espionage, we have the experience and skills needed to defend your freedom. Prosecutors typically investigate such occurrences early on, with cases being built long before charges are ever issued.

The sooner you bring in a legal team, the more likely you are to see a positive outcome.

Felonies, Violent Crimes and Capital Offenses

Make no mistake about it, these charges are serious. They often involve long term incarceration and can even include the death penalty. When facing capital offenses, more than your freedom is on the line. You’re fighting for your right to live.

Florida has three different felony levels. A first-degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies can carry a fine of up to $10,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 years. Third-degree felonies are the least serious of the bunch, but carry stiff penalties of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Felony convictions have a long reach that extend beyond your term of imprisonment. A felony criminal record can seriously impact your ability to be hired for a job, go to school, buy a gun, run for political office, and vote.

Jacksonville Assault Defense Attorney

Assault and battery charges can involve a simple misunderstanding or a mistake made in the heat of the moment, but the penalties can still be severe.

Battery is defined as an act of physical violence that causes injury. Assault occurs in the event of an act of violence with no physical contact.

In Florida, assault cases are charged as second degree misdemeanors, and can come with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Battery is the far more serious offense, with penalties of up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000.

When issues of aggravated assault or aggravated battery involve a weapon, you could be charged with a felony offense. This is also enhanced based on who the alleged victim might be. Violent crimes against law enforcement officers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly tend to carry heavier penalties.

Sex Crimes Lawyer

Those charged with sex crimes are labeled as guilty before ever entering a courtroom, so an aggressive defense is crucial to defending your personal freedom and standing in the community.

Being charged with a sex crime in Florida can have long lasting consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life. All felony offenses regarding sexual crimes come with a mandatory period of imprisonment. Cases of sexual battery can be met with a lifetime prison sentence.

All sex offenders are required to be registered on the official sexual offender registry and must update their residence every three to six months for life. Conviction also limits where a person is allowed to work and live, depending on the severity of their crime.

Firearms and Weapons Charges

The laws are changing in Florida, yet the fact remains that any charge involving weapons is serious and can jeopardize your right to bear arms.

Florida restricts the purchase of firearms for individuals who have a documented history of drug abuse, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, or have been convicted in a violent misdemeanor involving a gun.

It is possible to reinstate your Second Amendment rights, but that typically requires the granting of clemency by the state or a full pardon. We aggressively fight for your rights in cases related to possession of an illegal weapon, illegal discharge of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, brandishing a weapon, arms smuggling, arms trafficking, possession of explosives, and weapon violations at airports.

Crimes Involving Minors

Juvenile crimes often involve a child who does not understand the implications of their actions and the possibility that it could have negative impact on their future prospects.

Many juveniles believe that just because they are under the age of 18, they’re untouchable. However, Florida has traditionally led the nation in trying children as adults. We fight for a child’s right to hold onto their future. Their lives should not be tainted so early on with strict charges that could follow them forever.